Football: BUZZIN' in Association with MSV SPORT I Can't Wait to Put Some Sting in Boro Attack, Says Adam

Article excerpt

FLYING winger Adam Johnson today stressed his determination to sting his way back into the Boro limelight.

The 20-year-old is hoping his hugely successful stint with the Hornets will rub off on his return to Teesside.

Johnson helped Watford go six points clear at the top of the Championship, and that's why he was recalled early from his loan spell.

Johnson, currently in Portugal with the England Under-21 squad, told the Evening Gazette: "It's been absolutely brilliant at Watford. I can't thank them enough for giving me that chance.

"They played me week in and week out and I got a few goals and assists.

"Playing for Watford has definitely improved me as a player and now I hope I can get a chance at Middlesbrough to show what I can do.

"I thought I might have stayed there, but the gaffer said that he wanted me to come back here and do what I can for the squad.

"The Premiership is the place to be and I can't wait to get started again."

At the same time, Johnson is not fooling himself that the task of breaking into the Boro line-up will be any easier.

Stewart Downing is a fixture on the left flank, while Gary O'Neil is establishing himself on the right.

Johnson said: "We've got regular players on both wings but I just have to get my head down and wait for my chance.

"I don't mind at all which side I play on. You see all the best players in the world cut inside, but then I have always practised with my right foot and it's not too bad now.

"The one thing I got from my time at Watford was confidence. I've always been a confident player, but I have never played three games in a row for Boro and until you are playing regularly you don't settle down and show what you can do.

"But my chance will come if I keep on doing the right things."

Meanwhile Johnson is hoping to spark a big double this week by playing some part in England Under-21s' match against Portugal.

Again, he is unlikely to start because of the amount of experience and quality in Stuart Pearce's squad.

Johnson said: "We've got James Milner on the left and he's the most capped player in Under-21 history. …